Nintendo Unveils New 2D Donkey Kong Game, Marking First Mainline Entry in Over a Decade

In a surprise reveal during today’s Nintendo Direct, the gaming titan announced “Donkey Kong Country: Return to Roots,” a new 2D side-scrolling adventure starring the beloved barrel-throwing ape. Set to release in early 2025 for the Nintendo Switch, this is the first mainline Donkey Kong game in over a decade — and it’s bringing back the classic style that made the series iconic.

“Return to Roots” returns Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong to their pixel-perfect platforming roots, drawing heavy inspiration from the Super Nintendo-era “Donkey Kong Country” trilogy but with a vibrant, modern visual overhaul. Developed by the team at Retro Studios, who previously helmed the critically acclaimed “Donkey Kong Country Returns” (2010) and “Tropical Freeze” (2014), this new installment signals a bold re-embrace of traditional 2D gameplay after years of fan speculation and rumor.

The trailer showcased lush jungle environments, high-flying mine cart levels, and, yes, the return of King K. Rool in a reimagined role. A new co-op mode lets players team up as both Donkey and Diddy simultaneously, introducing tag-team combo moves and puzzle-solving mechanics that take advantage of each character’s unique abilities.

“We wanted to recapture the magic that made people fall in love with Donkey Kong in the first place, while still pushing the genre forward,” said producer Kensuke Tanabe during the showcase. “It’s not just nostalgia — it’s evolution.”

Fans and critics alike are already buzzing online, with many praising the game’s fluid animations and dynamic level design. Social media lit up with reactions immediately following the announcement, trending #DKReturns across multiple platforms.

This announcement marks yet another AAA title joining an already packed 2025 lineup for the Switch, further cementing Nintendo’s commitment to revitalizing its classic IP while pleasing longtime fans.

With the last mainline entry, “Tropical Freeze,” released in 2014, “Return to Roots” not only fills a long-running gap in Nintendo’s platformer portfolio but also reasserts Donkey Kong’s place at the top of the 2D platforming hierarchy. More details, including playable demos, are expected at this year’s Tokyo Game Show.